Inducing vomiting
While we veterinarians are constantly treating vomiting in our patients, we seem to love to induce it too! One common "error" we see is not knowing when not to induce emesis. Remember, if the patient is already symptomatic (i.e., ataxic, depressed, seizuring, etc.), emesis-induction is likely too late (but check with a poison control first, as sometimes gastric lavage is still recommended!). If a product contains a hydrocarbon (like gasoline, kerosene, brake fluid), emesis in typically contraindicated due to the high risks of aspiration pneumonia. Finally, corrosive agents (like drain cleaners, lime-away agents, etc.) cause corrosive damage going down - and coming back up - the esophagus, and patients who ingested these shouldn't have emesis induced. When in doubt, check with a poison control to make sure it's warranted before you reach for that bottle of apomorphine!
Here are a few contraindications for inducing vomiting (this list is not all-inclusive, and appropriate medical assessment must be made of the patient):
- Symptomatic from toxicity
- Hydrocarbon ingestion
- Corrosive product ingestion
- Unable to adequately protect the airway (i.e., megaesophagus, laryngeal paralysis, sedation, etc.)
- Patient is already vomiting
- Severe brachycephalic syndrome or disease
When in doubt, check with Pet Poison Helpline to see if emesis-induction is warranted!
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